Caught The Fire Bug

08/20/2025

Stoner Mesa Fire 9,006 acres 10% contained.
≈1 Mile Northwest of Road R & County Road 46, Northeast of Stoner Montezuma & Dolores Counties Co. View this evening from benchmark lookout. 📸

08/19/2025

On August 19, 2015, three U.S. Forest Service firefighters—Richard “Rick” Wheeler (31), Andrew Zajac (26), and Tom Zbyszewski (20)—tragically lost their lives on the Twisp River Fire in Washington.
• Rick Wheeler was known for his dedication, humor, and leadership on the line.
• Andrew Zajac, a Yale graduate and outdoor enthusiast, was admired for his intelligence, grit, and compassion.
• Tom Zbyszewski, only 20 years old, was a promising young firefighter remembered for his positivity, courage, and love for the outdoors.

Their sacrifice is a reminder of the risks wildland firefighters face each season. Gone but never forgotten.

08/19/2025

Rock Fire 2,695 acres 0% contained
≈1 Mile South of Tamarack Summit, 9 Miles NW Of Cascade Adams & Valley Counties ID. While crews work actively to manage and contain the Rock fire, weather conditions are becoming hotter and drier, which increases the potential for fire activity. “We’ve seen the fire become more active,” said Valley County Sheriff Kevin Copperi. “As the fire has moved closer to values at risk, we want to ensure that residents are prepared to leave if conditions warrant. 📸 8/13/25 Thank you!

08/19/2025

Knowles Fire 745 acres 0% contained.
Along the Flathead River near the Full Curl Wildlife Management Area, Knowles
Sanders County, MT. Grayback is in route from Southern Oregon to help contain the blaze. The fire was reported on August 17th multiple volunteer departments and air support are currently working the fire.

08/19/2025

Red Canyon 🔥, 14 miles east of Thermopolis, Wyoming .Afternoon Operations Update 8/19/25. Temperatures are nearing 100° today with low humidity, just as forecasted on the Red Canyon Fire. Winds remain steady and moderate, creating favorable conditions for firefighters in Div. G (northeast part of the fire) where crews are conducting strategic firing operations north of Bull Mountain and west of Pack Saddle Road.

You may notice significant smoke in the area. While it can look like the fire is intensifying, this smoke is from planned burns. These operations are critical tools that reduce fuels and strengthen firelines, lowering the risk of the main fire spreading and protecting nearby communities and other values at risk. 📸 Jim Andreen thank you for sharing

08/19/2025

Nothing wrong with a little humor..

Casper Planet Exclusive
Wyoming Couple Uses Firefighting Plane for Gender Reveal, Couldn’t Afford Real Colors

CASPER, WY - A Wyoming couple took frugality and chaos to new heights this week when they used an active wildfire and a firefighting plane for their baby gender reveal.

Instead of shelling out for the usual pastel smoke bombs or glitter cannons, the couple admitted they “couldn’t afford the real baby reveal colors.” So they struck a deal with a pilot, who dumped thousands of gallons of bright pink fire retardant across the blaze.

“It’s a boy!” shouted the expectant father, as confused neighbors scratched their heads.

Witnesses said the scene looked less like a celebration and more like Barbie was trying to put out the apocalypse. “Honestly, we didn’t know if they were having a baby or just announcing a new wildfire mascot,” one local rancher said.

Authorities noted the stunt technically violated air safety codes, fire regulations, and common sense, but no charges are expected. “It’s Wyoming,” a Wyoming Conservation Services officer said with a shrug. “We’ve seen worse.”

The fire, meanwhile, continues to burn, though locals agree the reveal was still cheaper than renting a bouncy castle.

08/19/2025

🔥 Red Canyon Fire Update 🔥
Size: 109,139 acres
Containment: 28%

📍 Off Buffalo Creek Rd, 14 miles East of Thermopolis
Fremont & Hot Springs Counties, Wyoming

📸: Justyne Kimsey

08/19/2025

08/19/2025

🔥 Just Dropped! 🔥
Check out our brand-new CTFB logo hat — built tough, just like the men and women who put it all on the line every fire season.

🧢 Richardson 112
🚁 Featuring our new logo patch — a tribute to wildland firefighting and aviation

👉 Only $23 + $11 shipping
Stand with the crews. Rep the brand. Support the mission. Www.caughtthefirebug.com

🙌 Huge shoutout to Laser’s Edge Engraving in Thermopolis, Wyoming for putting together these incredible hats! Ken and his team crushed it. 🔥

If you’re looking for custom merch or personal engraving work, definitely reach out to Ken — he’s the guy to get it done right. https://lasersedgecustomengraving.com

08/19/2025

Wildland Firefighter LODD – Logan Taylor
On August 18, 2022, Logan Taylor, 25, was fatally injured on the Rum Creek Fire near Galice, OR, after being struck by a falling Douglas-fir during initial attack operations.

Tree strikes remain one of the leading causes of wildland firefighter fatalities, underscoring the unpredictable dangers crews face on the line.

Logan was remembered by his community with a memorial service on August 29, 2022, in Medford, OR. His legacy continues to raise awareness about hazard tree dangers in wildland firefighting.

08/19/2025

Red Canyon 🔥 is starting to stand back up picture taken from Riverton. This Fire is located 14 miles east of Thermopolis, Wyoming. 📸 CTFB.